Services

At Metairie Small Animal Hospital, we believe that your pet is a part of the family, yours and ours. That is why we have made it our mission to provide comprehensive and compassionate veterinary care and that is in the best interests of you and your furriest family member. If you are in the greater New Orleans area, and are looking for a caring veterinary team to help make sure your pet remains in good health, we have four veterinary clinic locations nearby and ready to help.

To learn more about the many services our veterinary clinic locations offer, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at the nearest location:

Non-Medical Services Provided By Our Animal Clinic

In addition to our complete medical, surgical and emergency care facilities, we also offer a wide variety of non-medical pet care services. This way you and your pet can rely on a team that you already know and trust.

Some of the non-medical services we offer include*:

Grooming

Boarding

Pet Boutique/Pet Supplies

Adoptions

*Not all non-medical services are provided at every animal clinic location. Please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment and have your questions answered.

24/7 Emergency Animal Hospital

Accidents, injuries and illnesses never take into account time of day. While some situations can wait until the next morning or business day, others require immediate attention. This is why we offer emergency animal hospital services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at our main Metairie animal hospital location on Metairie Road.

Our emergency pet hospital is staffed with highly experienced, dedicated veterinarians and veterinary care support staff. Our emergency animal hospital provides trauma and critical care for accidents, injuries and illnesses of all types. Our emergency staff are equipped to manage the medical care and help our clients through stressful and potentially life threatening situations. We will work with our clients to make sure you have a good understanding of your pet’s illness and what steps should be taken to provide the best care options for your pet.

Please visit our emergency services page to learn more (link here)—and please know that if your pet needs emergency care anytime day or night, that we are here for you.

We are a full service pet hospital

Our pet hospital offers the following services for dogs and cats of all breeds, ages, medical conditions and lifestyles:

Express Boarding Check In FormAfter calling us to make your boarding reservation, save time by printing and returning this form when you check your pets in for boarding. Note that you must fill out a separate form for each pet boarding with us.

New Patient Info FormNew to our practice? Complete this form and return when you arrive for your first visit with us.

Canine cardiology is the medical field that treats a dog's cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood vessels. A veterinarian or dog cardiologist can diagnose and help develop a treatment protocol for canines that suffer from:

Understanding Dog Blood Tests

A blood test or lab test allows us to learn information about your dog's health which can only be found from collecting a sample of blood and having it analyzed. This includes a CBC (complete blood count) and blood chemistries that analyze chemical components in the blood.

What is laparoscopy surgery for dogs?

As a veterinary practice that is prepared to meet any veterinary need your dog may have, Metairie Small Animal Hospital is equipped with a laparoscopy unit. We take pride in the fact that our patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery experience less pain and a significantly reduced recovery time versus many types of classical, open abdominal veterinary surgeries>.

What is Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging?

What To Know When Dog Surgery Has Been Recommended

How A Cat's Heart Works

A cat's heart has four chambers. The two upper chambers are called the atrium (plural atria), and the lower chambers are called the ventricles. Additionally, the heart has a right and left side, each containing one atrium and one ventricle. A cat's heart works as follows:

Diagnosing And Treating Cancer In Cats

Our veterinarians and support staff are well-trained, highly empathetic, and understanding of the fact that it is necessary to focus on both the emotional and medical aspects of treating cats with cancer. We are here to work with you to make sure you have a good understanding of your cat’s illness and to help you make decisions that will be best for you and your cat.

Most cats will scratch on occasion but if you notice that the occasional scratch and regular grooming turns into a cat who appears uncomfortable, cat skin problems may be present and you should schedule an appointment with one of the veterinarians here at Metairie Small Animal Hospital.

Cats typically take care of daily grooming by themselves. If you’ve ever seen a cat lying in the sun grooming itself, it can be quite calming to observe the meticulous routine. Cats instinctively groom themselves to banish any odors that may be noticed by other animals, especially predators. Cats are also able to maintain a healthy-looking coat by daily grooming and distributing natural oils to keep their coats clean and shiny.

When Is In Home Cat Care Called For

If you’re like a lot of cat owners, you know your cat’s daily routine. If you notice your cat is not following his usual activities, or if you see a change in behavior patterns, those could be subtle but important clues that your cat is sick. As a pet parent, it’s time for you to step in and get the vet on speed dial.

What Are Microchips And Why Does My Cat Need One?

Information And Services To Spay And Neuter Cats

Since 1946, the dedicated and compassionate veterinary team at Metairie Small Animal Hospital have successfully performed spay and neuter procedures on many male and female cats of all breeds and ages. We have also helped educate cat owners throughout LA about spay and neuter procedures. These include when to spay or neuter a cat, what to expect during and after surgery, and why cat spaying and cat neutering is essential to helping control the pet population problem in the state of LA.

The importance of vaccinations to the overall health and longevity of your cat cannot be understated. Cat vaccines are medically and scientifically proven to combat the incubation and transmission of crippling and fatal feline diseases. Our veterinary staff is dedicated to educating people about the importance of cat vaccinations, including what cat vaccines are necessary, and when they should be scheduled.

A part of normal cat behavior is their instinctive need to scratch on surfaces to remove excess claw material and keep the nails clean and in good shape. Cats obviously enjoy this behavior and certainly are not aware that their behavior may be seen as destructive to their owners. Unfortunately, while your cat is happily clawing on your favorite chenille chair, you may be grimacing and very unhappy with one of your favorite family members.

Because we understand how hectic life can be, we gladly offer Pick-up and Delivery Services to our established clients throughout the New Orleans metropolitan area. Through this service you can have your pet picked up from your home and delivered to our main hospital to receive treatments or services.

We can also return your pet later that day at a time convenient for you. With our Pick-up and Delivery Service we can also deliver food, supplies and medications right to your front door, with convenient pre-payment or payment upon delivery.

What Every Cat Owner Should Know About Dental Care For Cats

This includes routine care such as cleaning, along with treating more complicated conditions. Because our pets don’t brush their teeth every night before bed like we do, tartar can firmly adhere to the teeth.

Diagnosing And Treating Cancer In Cats

At Metairie Small Animal Hospital, we understand that feline cancer is a devastating diagnosis. It is natural to feel highly emotional. However, a cat cancer diagnosis is not necessarily a hopeless one. Depending upon how early it is identified and the type of cancer involved, there are certainly options that can lead to very positive outcomes.

This is important in determining if pets have high blood pressure. Blood pressure is also an integral part of our anesthetic monitoring and in diagnosing other problems in dogs and cats.

Cardiac Consultations

Dr. Keith Strickland, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology) visits our practice each week to examine and consult on our cardiac cases. He provides expert information and diagnostics and is available for additional consultations as needed.

As technology leads us into the future and improves our lives, diagnostic imaging is no exception. Digital radiology gives our practice the ability to diagnose conditions almost on the spot. This allows us to treat conditions faster and more effectively.

Dog Allergy Symptoms

While not usually life threatening, allergies in dogs can cause discomfort. Most symptoms are associated with dermatologic problems but some can also lead to chronic respiratory issues in some dogs if untreated for long periods of time. Sometimes an owner will bring their dog to a veterinary appointment suspecting a serious medical condition and end up finding out that their canine companion has an allergy.

What Is Veterinary Acupuncture For Dogs?

Illness doesn't always have a physical cause, and the sad truth is that more dogs are put to sleep because of behavioral problems than because of disease or injury. Dog obedience training can ensure your canine is a safe and enjoyable member of your family. From training puppies to addressing unwanted behavior in an older dog, our veterinarians can help you achieve a better bond with your furry friend.

At Metairie Small Animal Hospital, we understand that your canine companion is not just a pet, but that he or she is a beloved, cherished family member. The mutual bond of love and loyalty between you can make a diagnosis of any form of dog cancer very difficult to hear. Our veterinarians and support staff are empathetic, compassionate and trained to focus on both the emotional and medical aspects of dog cancer.

Proper dental care at home consists of daily brushing. Just as with humans, dogs need the plaque and biofilm removed from their teeth on a daily basis to avoid dental disease. The vast majority of dogs will accept daily brushing by their owners. We are here to teach you how to brush your dog’s teeth and provide you with the best brush and dental paste according to your dog’s size and flavor preference. It can be a bonding experience for owners to brush their dog’s teeth and your dog may come to really enjoy the process.

It is important to realize that your dog will never tell you when it is experiencing dental pain. All dogs will endure some level of dental disease and dental pain during their lives. The best way to minimize these issues is for your dog is to start out with a great dental health routine at home. This should be supplemented with regular dental cleanings performed by veterinary professionals (a veterinarian and veterinary nurse to aid in the dental cleaning and patient care during the procedure).

At Metairie Small Animal Hospital, we utilize the most up to date equipment which allows us to offer a very high level of care to all of our patients. Canine endoscopy uses a tiny video camera at the end of a very narrow scope, called an endoscope that is inserted either into the stomach through the mouth or the colon via the rectum. This allows a veterinarian to view a dog's gastrointestinal tract, or other areas of concern throughout his or her body.

How Does My Dog Pick Up Fleas And Ticks?

Dogs and cats who spend time outdoors are at equal risk of picking up fleas. However, because dogs spend a larger amount of time outdoors, they are at a higher risk than cats for ticks. While not as common, fleas and ticks can also enter homes from visiting pets and on people’s clothes.

What Is Laser Therapy For Dogs And How Does It Work?

Laser treatment for dogs employs deep-penetrating light to promote a chain of chemical reactions known as photobiostimulation. This process helps relieve pain through the release of endorphins, and it stimulates injured cells to heal at an accelerated pace.

Why Should I Microchip My Dog?

Why Should I Microchip My Dog?

What Is The Right Food To Feed Your Dog?

Good nutrition is feeding your dog the building blocks and energy components that allow them to grow, develop to their potential and stay active throughout their life. There are many ways to feed your dog and hundreds of diets to choose from. Most people tend to use dry and canned dog food for convenience and cost. However, for owners who are open minded about their dog's diet, there are alternatives to dry and canned dog food that may offer better nutrition for your particular dog.

What is good dog nutrition?

Good nutrition is feeding your dog the building blocks and energy components that allow them to grow, develop to their potential and stay active throughout their life.There are many ways to feed your dog and hundreds of diets to choose from. Most people tend to use dry and canned dog food for convenience and cost. However, there are alternatives to dry and canned dog food that may offer quality nutrition for your dog.

At the Metairie Small Animal Hospital, our veterinary team understands the commitment involved in helping facilitate a dog pregnancy for your canine companion. We have very specific standards for assisted canine reproduction and only work with breeders exhibiting quality breeding practices. Our services include:

Everything You Must Know About Vaccinating Your Dog

Dog vaccinations play a critical role in protecting your dog from many dangerous and even fatal diseases. While state law requires all dogs are vaccinated for rabies, there are a number of other vaccinations that can protect your dog from serious diseases that are easily preventable.

At Metairie Small Animal Hospital, we have spent decades educating people about the benefits of dog vaccinations. This includes what vaccines are necessary and how they should be scheduled. Over the years we have been asked every question possible about dog vaccinations and we have compiled some of the most frequently asked ones for you here. This is only meant to be a general introduction to dog vaccinations. At your dog’s next veterinary appointment, we will be happy to explainthe specific vaccination recommendations for your dog.

What To Do If Your Cat May Be Having A Veterinary Emergency

In case of a cat emergency, waiting until “normal business hours” is not an option. In a time of crisis, Metairie Small Animal Hospital is open with an emergency cat clinic located at 101 Metairie Road. Our main hospital is staffed 24/7 and ready to help!

Our experienced team can help increase the odds of recovery for your feline friend, even in the face of the most severe cat emergency care situations.

What To Do In Case Of A Dog Emergency

There are times when you are certain that your dog has an emergency (ie hit by a car) and there are times when you are very concerned but not convinced that it is an emergency requiring immediate care. When in doubt, head to our emergency hospital. It is best to call us first, in case there is something you can do to assist your pet either before you leave or en route to our hospital.

If your dog has suffered a sudden trauma or is experiencing any life threatening symptoms, please call us immediately at: 504-290-0025

What To Do In Case Of A Dog Emergency

There are times when you are certain that your dog has an emergency (ie: hit by a car) and there are times when you are very concerned but not convinced that it is an emergency requiring immediate care. When in doubt, head to our emergency hospital. If possible, call on your way to let us know the type of emergency and if you will need assistance getting into the building and your E.T.A.

Emergency vet services are a fundamental cornerstone of our commitment to comprehensive pet care. Your pet isn't going to take "normal business hours" into consideration. Accidents do happen, and when disaster strikes, that is when you need a trained veterinary staff ready and able to help. So, we know that we've got to be ready. This is why you can always rely on our emergency vet care team to be here for you and your pet anytime day or night.

Emergency vet services are a fundamental cornerstone of our commitment to comprehensive pet care. Your pet isn’t going to take “normal business hours” into consideration. Accidents do happen, and when disaster strikes, that is when you need a trained veterinary staff ready and able to help. So, we know that we’ve got to be ready. This is why you can always rely on our emergency vet care team to be here for you and your pet anytime day or night.

As a puppy, Champ snuck into Mary’s knitting bag and swallowed a small ball of yarn. When he became unwell, Mary called our practice right away. The yarn didn’t show up on the x-ray so we used endoscopy to look inside Champ’s digestive tract and remove the yarn. Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a tiny video camera at the end of a very narrow scope in order to see inside of the body. Sometimes our practice uses endoscopy for surgical procedures but most often we use it for diagnostic purposes. Minimally invasive, the procedure requires relatively little recovery.

What Are Microchip IDs, And Why Does My Cat Need One?

At Metairie Small Animal Hospital, we understand that the bond you and your beloved feline friend share is invaluable and irreplaceable. We also understand that by nature, cats are roaming creatures and therefore run the risk of wandering too far from home, or just accidentally losing their way. In fact, a staggering number of cats are lost in the shelter system each year because they lack any means to identify them with. This is why we are happy to offer cat microchip identification services.

Bathing and Grooming Services are offered at our Main Hospital on Metairie Road, as well as our three Outpatient Clinics in Metairie, Kenner, and Lakeview in New Orleans. Our groomers are available to do standard or breed-specific clips as well as sanitary clips, summer “shave downs,” or any other special clip you may be interested in for your dog or cat. Simply ask to speak to our groomer when you drop off your pet to discuss your preferences.

ExaminationsOne part of comprehensive preventative care is having a physical exam on a regular basis, no matter what age your pet may be. It’s simple and cost effective. Detecting changes or signs of disease early on is the key to a healthy pet.

A heartworm infection can lead to numerous health problems up to and including early death. Therefore, heartworm prevention cannot be ignored. Our team is here to educate you and protect your dog from this terrible disease.

Since 1946 the veterinary staff at Metairie Small Animal Hospital has made heartworm prevention for dogs an important part of our approach to preventive care. A heartworm infection can lead to numerous health problems up to and including early death Therefore, heartworm prevention cannot be ignored. Our team is here to educate you and protect your dog from this terrible disease.

Getting a new kitten is a very special experience with lots of joy, warmth and laughter. There is a reason why the internet is so full of kitten and cat pictures and videos. Kittens are super fun, loving and entertaining. Kitten care does involve some amount of hands-on attention from human family members. The focus of kitten care is on acclimating the kitten to its new family, and providing for the kitten's physical well being to support healthy development.

Drawing upon a lifetime of love for kittens and many years of clinical experience, our veterinary staff would love to help ensure that you are well-informed about your kitten’s needs. There are many phases of a kitten’s life and it is important to understand how their needs will change as they grow. We have compiled some essential kitten care information for you here.

Remember that proper kitten care also requires an examination by your veterinarian, kitten vaccinations, deworming and other forms of care that support development throughout the various phases of kittenhood.

Laser Therapy Reduces Pain and Speeds HealingRelief and/or improvement is often noticed within hours depending on the condition and your pet’s response. Whether your pet is rehabilitating from trauma or injury, healing from wounds, or simply aging, your companion can benefit from this innovative approach to treating pain.

What Is Laser Therapy For Cats?

At Metairie Small Animal Hospital, we are always looking to new ways to care for your cat. Medicine and technology are constantly advancing and we embrace staying at the forefront of the best medical and surgical care. We are proud to offer laser therapy for cats at our veterinary clinic.

What is laser therapy for cats?

Veterinary laser therapy provides a non-invasive, pain-free, surgery-free and drug-free treatment for a variety of conditions, and can be performed in conjunction with existing treatment protocols. Laser treatment for cats employs deep-penetrating light to promote a chain of chemical reactions known as photobiostimulation. This process helps relieve pain through the release of endorphins, and it stimulates injured cells to heal at an accelerated pace. The faster your cat heals and the better he or she feels.

What Is Laser Therapy For Dogs And How Does It Work?

Dr. Beth Overley Adamson completed her undergraduate studies at Rice University and her veterinary studies at the University of Pennsylvania, both with honors. She completed a one year general rotating internship and a three year medical oncology residency at the MJR Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Overley achieved board certification in oncology in 2005. She currently treats patients and performs research part time in addition to consulting.

The Pros And Cons Of Different Types Of Cat Food

Feline nutrition is very important for general health. However, the plethora of dietary options, brands and formulas available to consumers can be confusing when deciding which kind of cat food is best for your feline friend’s health and wellness.

When it comes to managing your pet’s pain, our practice offers and the highest quality of care utilizing compassion and the most effective medical treatments available. We develop a unique pain management plan to best serve the individual needs of your pet. This plan may include medication, complementary treatment or a combination of both.

How Does My Dog Pick Up Fleas And Ticks?

What Is Dirofilariasis, Aka: Cat Heartworm?

Dirofilaria immitis is a blood-borne parasitic nematode (roundworm), commonly referred to as cat heartworm. Heartworms in cats are spread through mosquitos carrying cat heartworm larvae. The severity of heartworms in cats is directly dependent upon the number of worms present a cat’s body, the duration of the incubation, and the response of the infected cat.

At Metairie Small Animal Hospital, our highly experienced team of veterinarians and veterinary support staff have been helping educate our clients and win the fight against heartworms in cats since 1946. The importance of heartworm prevention for cats cannot be overstated. Once a cat has contracted heartworms, it cannot be cured. Therefore, preventive measures are absolutely necessary in order to keep your beloved feline friend healthy and safe.

What Is Involved In A Cat Preventive Care Program?

At Metairie Small Animal Hospital, we understand that prevention is truly the best medicine where the health and wellness of your cat is concerned. This is why we offer our feline patients and their human counterparts a comprehensive array of cat preventive care services that promote cat health,wellness and longevity of life.

What Is Involved In A Cat Preventive Care Program?

At Metairie Small Animal Hospital, we understand that prevention is truly the best medicine where the health and wellness of your cat is concerned. This is why we offer our feline patients and their human counterparts a comprehensive array of cat preventive care services that promote cat health, wellness and longevity of life.

What Goes Into A Dog Health Preventive Care Regimen

How To Take Care Of A Puppy

One of the greatest joys in life is having a cuddly, cute puppy to have and hold. This is a memorable time for the entire family and everyone can participate in loving and caring for your new puppy. Our staff and veterinarians know what an exciting and special time this is for you and we want to provide you with the best information and health care to get a great start for your new puppy's life. The time you commit to this puppy in the beginning of its life will have a great impact on your relationship for the next 12-15 years.

Make The Most Of Your First Visit To The Vet

During your first veterinary visit, we will perform a thorough physical and gather information from you to help get a complete picture of your puppy’s health. This is also your opportunity to gather all of the important puppy care information you need to be an informed, responsible and loving guardian to your puppy. Plan to spend around a half hour with us on the first visit, and bring everyone in the family who will be taking an active role in the puppy’s care. Below are some of the topics we will address at the first visit:

Taking The Physiological Changes Of Aging Dogs Into Consideration

What Is Cat Neutering?

Cat neutering refers to the castration, or the removal of the testicles of a male cat so that he cannot impregnate a female cat. Only a veterinarian can properly and safely perform cat neutering surgery.

If you have owned an animal, or if you know anyone who has, chances are you have heard of the terms spay and neuter. Spaying is a term that describes the ovariohysterectomy, or the removal of portions of the reproductive system of a female dog. Neutering is a term that describes the castration, or the removal of the testicles of a male dog. Veterinarians perform these surgical procedures, which render dogs incapable of reproducing.

If you have owned an animal, or if you know anyone who has, chances are you have heard of the terms spay and neuter. Spaying is a term that describes the ovariohysterectomy, or the removal of portions of the reproductive system of a female dog. Neutering is a term that describes the castration, or the removal of the testicles of a male dog. Veterinarians perform these surgical procedures, which render dogs incapable of reproducing.

Stem cell technology is a new and exciting branch of veterinary medicine. Stem cells are cells that can be safely harvested from a variety of adult animal tissues (primarily fat tissue). Once harvested, the stem cells can be injected and induced to grow into a large number of different cell types.

It is very important to have a veterinarian examine your cat at least once a year. Cats age significantly faster than humans and therefore it is imperative for cat owners to stay on top of wellness exams in order to catch any potential health problems before they begin. Most cat illnesses are much easier and less expensive to treat and cure when caught in the early stages before they progress or develop complications. Therefore, regular cat wellness exams are the cornerstone of preventive veterinary medicine.

Cat acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment modality that allows the veterinarians here at Metairie Small Animal Hospital use to address a variety of feline health issues and reduce pain in our feline patients.

Our Veterinary ICU Is Here For Your Pet

A crucial part of our emergency hospital is our Intensive Care Unit. After your pet has been examined and a plan developed for their care, they may need constant care and monitoring for a period of time. These pets are admitted into our ICU for specialized critical care and monitoring by our emergency doctors and critical care nurses. The amount of time spent in ICU depends upon the severity of the illness and amount of care required to get them through a severe illness.

Metairie Small Animal Hospital Offers Exemplary Cat Care

Since 1946 the Veterinarians and support staff at Metairie Small Animal Hospital have sought to achieve the highest standards of veterinary medicine. We feel that cats are part of the family, yours and ours. Our clients response to the care we provide is the strongest testament to the quality of care we provide for their cats.

Dog Veterinarians Who Really Care

When Will A Veterinarian Order Blood Tests For Cats

In some cases, the symptoms your cat is showing affords a veterinarian the opportunity for a relatively straightforward diagnosis. However, other times the diagnosis may not be obvious and additional information will be required. In such a case, your veterinarian will order feline blood tests to aid in his or her investigation. The following situations can result in the need for blood tests for cats:

Understanding Why A Cat Surgery Has Been Recommended

At Metairie Small Animal Hospital, our primary concern is for the health and well-being of your cat. Unfortunately, occasions may arise when a surgical procedure is in the best interest of your feline friend, and in these times you will need to decide the best course of action. We understand what that feels like, and our veterinarians and staff are here for you, too.

In comparison to traditional surgery, laparoscopic surgery for cats is a minimally invasive alternative and typically results in shorter recovery time. Similar to arthroscopic surgery, your veterinarian will make one or two small openings in the cat’s abdomen and insert both a camera and the surgical tools required to complete the procedure.

There may be a time when your cat will require a procedure or surgery for his continued health. At the time of surgery your cat will require anesthesia which will be carefully administered and monitored by our veterinary staff. Knowing the basics about how anesthesia will be is used in cat surgery and the recovery basics will help to ease your mind while your cat is under our care.